OrlandoMallGuide Creative Home Decor

bathrooms Tags

I’ve always wanted a freestanding bathtub. I'm not really sure why. There's just something so appealing about all the different sizes and shapes and how they sit so independently in a room and seem to virtually say "Look at me". And now these designers have given me 16 more reasons why I need to get one. Take advantage of the view. "I must admit that the homeowners drove the decisions for these tubs" says James Crisp of Crisp Architects (see next photo also). "The real inspiration is the view. If a master bath has a separate shower and room for a freestanding tub strategically positioned to enjoy a great view the big question is why not?" This tub is from Waterworks.

Magic mirror reflects current technology. Another mirror concept coming soon to homes can be found already in stores. A specially made full‐length mirror superimposes clothing on your reflection creating the illusion that you’re wearing the selected item of clothing. It’s an easy way to cycle through a large number of garments without wasting time trying them on. One example is the EON Interactive Mirror which has already been installed in mall clothing stores.The system uses Microsoft’s Kinect technology which was created for gaming and repurposed for retail marketing. As you can see the illusion is pretty good.

Mirrors. Here's a look I recently enjoyed while visiting the Shangri‐La Hotel in Vancouver: mirrors layered over bathroom windows. It creates a resort feel but is practical and can be re‐created at home. Hanging a mirror in the window (either on a picture wire or by fixed metal supports) fills in the window enough to create a sense of privacy while still allowing light to filter in. For more privacy simply cover the exposed glass with translucent film.

Try a modern take on traditional. "The owner likes traditional claw‐foot tubs but the house called for a more modern fixture" says Randall Mars of Randall Mars Architects. "This tub by Wetstyle has modern lines with that same feeling. In addition it floats nicely in the space and enjoys great views. The pocket shutters offer privacy while flooding the room with light". Think green. "This bathroom was an ecochic project where we used several natural or recycled/reclaimed products" says Kerrie L. Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. "The clients fell in love with the hammered‐copper tub when they saw it. Luckily the entire bathroom was demoed so we had the opportunity to take an existing tub/shower and covert the space to accommodate a large shower and separate freestanding tub. It now serves as the centerpiece to the master suite renovation".

Lights. If you have a well‐placed window in your kitchen but the angle does not invite a lot of light it could be a perfect place to add a pendant light. The fixture will help illuminate the counter and will give the feeling of a natural radiance emanating from the outdoors.

Restaurant‐style doors and globe chandelier. Why not make the door a design feature? Restaurant‐style swinging doors with circular glass insets bring energy to the kitchen here while a chandelier made up of globe lights in different hues echoes the shape of the round panes in the door.

Prepare to combat chills. There's no getting around it – open showers can be drafty especially in the winter months. Installing a heat lamp and radiant heat bathroom flooring can offset the shivers. Mount a heated towel rack nearby and you'll be extra toasty as you dry off. Choose an appropriate showerhead. Unless you have a very large buffer zone a standard showerhead that angles outward can end up soaking your space. Opt for a rain‐style model which casts water straight down or a handheld type that allows you to control the position and flow. If you do use a more conventional model mount it so that the spray hits an opposite wall rather than the shower opening.

Glass mosaic tile "was used throughout the open air shower and the tub area" Mackie notes. "The MTI whirlpool tub has jetted features and remote controls while the shower has a Grohe fixture with an adjustable arm. There's also a heated towel bar". Go with stone. "I rarely use anything but freestanding tubs. I love them!" says Cheryl Kees Clendenon of In Detail Interiors. "This one is from Turkey and is solid marble. The owners are from Louisiana and like darker colors and rich texture. We wanted to showcase the space and placing the tub in front of these windows was perfect – it really became the centerpiece".

Soak in the sunset. For this bathroom Crisp chose a vintage black claw‐foot tub. "Who wouldn't want to relax in a hot bath while gazing into the sunset across the rolling hills?" he asks. Highlight the positive. "Prior to its remodel this master bathroom had a built‐in vanity and tub surround that started at the entry door by the sinks and was carried all the way around to the shower" says Susan Brown of Susan E. Brown Interior Design. "By using a freestanding bathtub and separate vanities I knew the space would be opened up yet still feel cohesive with the integration of similar colors and finishes". She adds that "having negative space surrounding the tub gives more emphasis to it as the pièce de résistance of the room. I continued to emphasize that aspect with hidden accent lighting that shines through the onyx tub deck and down onto the iridescent turquoise glass tiles creating an 'incredible soft glow ' as my client put it".